The best MTB trails around Zutendaal

A beautiful path in the middle of the woods, a shame about the power lines...

A pleasant trail to walk

You will have to stand on tiptoe to observe the body of water over the fence.

Le Belvédère is not located at this spot!

The Singektrack along the Kikbeekbron in the Hoge Kempen National Park near Maasmechelen is part of the trails through the Kikbeekbron Valley, a nature reserve that has become one of the park's most attractive landscapes since the conversion of a former sand and gravel quarry into a nature reserve. This area is characterized by a tranquil pond, heathlands, marshlands, and forests with a rich ecology that is home to typical flora and fauna such as dragonflies, heathland vegetation, grazing fjord ponies, and a variety of birds and insects. The area around the Kikbeekbron is part of the larger network of hiking and mountain bike trails in the national park, which showcases Flanders' natural diversity and is part of the official hiking and cycling trails that lead visitors through forests, heathlands, fens, and valleys. The Singektrack and surrounding trails are generally part of regular hiking networks and are also incorporated into long-distance routes such as the National Park Trail, a route of over 105 kilometers that passes the park's most beautiful spots. The section around the Kikbeekbron has a temporary route change due to nature management work. Due to roadworks and nature restoration, a section of this trail, including a section near and around the Kikbeekbron, will be temporarily closed or diverted, meaning that certain paths will be inaccessible to recreational users while these works continue. For example, the National Park Trail will be closed for minor roadworks in the valley between August 1 and December 31, 2025, for which detours will be signposted to minimize the impact on nature and protect vulnerable zones. In addition to these specific temporary updates, the park's accessibility regulations state that certain areas within the national park, including the valley around the Kikbeekbron and other vulnerable zones, are legally designated as restricted zones, meaning that access is only permitted via the designated paths and route networks. Beyond these trails, access to sensitive natural areas is only permitted with the park manager's permission or under the guidance of a certified ranger, as the park prioritizes nature conservation and ecological integrity. In practice, this means that the Singek Track and other trails around the Kikbeekbron are currently officially closed or heavily restricted for recreation, especially in areas where new nature restoration or management projects are underway. Visitors are asked to follow the designated alternative routes and detours and to respect the sensitive areas to avoid disturbing flora and fauna—something the park managers strictly monitor. Nevertheless, some visitors, like myself, report sneaking into the area despite the closures and construction. These kinds of personal experiences occur when trails aren't completely blocked, or when visitors ignore the signage to enjoy the trail and views offered by the Singek Track. Such experiences are understandable from the perspective of nature and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience the scenic beauty of the Kikbeek source, but they technically fall outside the park's permitted access regulations, especially because management works and nature restoration are underway there, and vulnerable nature is recovering. The park emphasizes that access to closed areas is prohibited to prevent damage to the landscape and disturbance of species, and such zones are regularly designated as inaccessible. The Singektrack itself, before the works and restrictions, was popular for the natural diversity of the Kikbeek valley. It allowed you to walk along water features, through heathland, over soft woodland, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Its positioning within the network of hiking trails made it a logical, varied route for those who wanted to explore the area, showcasing the transition between open landscape, water, and forest that is characteristic of the Hoge Kempen region. However, since the announced works and new management plans, the valley around the Kikbeekbron has been designated a vulnerable zone. Managers are carrying out restoration and management projects to improve water levels, vegetation structure, and habitats, among other things. This has a temporary impact on the recreational accessibility of trails such as the Singektrack.

The MTB Enduro Trail at the Waterschei spoil heap is a popular mountain biking location for experienced riders in Genk, Limburg, Belgium. The spoil heap, a former mining site reminiscent of the region's coal mining past, has been transformed in recent years into a legal trail center with a network of singletrack, technical descents, and challenging sections that appeal to enduro and mountain bike enthusiasts. The trails on the spoil heap are not officially marked as a fixed route, but together form an informal and technical ride over the uneven terrain of the artificial hill. Because the spoil heap offers steep slopes, turns, rooty trails, and loose surfaces, riding requires good cycling and display technique, as well as some off-road mountain biking experience. The local group Genkertrails is working to maintain and legalize the trails, and the area is increasingly recognized as a structural trail center for mountain biking skills. Many riders combine rides on the Waterschei spoil heap with surrounding routes and trails in the Hoge Kempen National Park, making the terrain part of larger mountain bike tours in the region. For example, popular GPS tracks and routes that follow the slag heap are often challenging and technical, with shorter sections featuring sharp turns and singletrack on steep terrain. Some riders have reported that these sections are particularly challenging in wet weather. Examples of combination routes that partially traverse the slag heap include long mountain bike outings (such as a 40 km route via singletrack in the area) with elevation changes of around 150 meters, which is quite significant for Flanders and provides a real challenge on your fully-loaded or hardtail bike. It's important to note that while the topographical conditions are suitable for enduro riding, some trails in the area are also protected nature reserves (such as parts of the Klaverberg Nature Reserve and Hoge Kempen), and that respecting local rules and ecological restrictions is essential. Riders are advised to stay on designated trails only. In practice, this means that on the Waterschei slag heap, you'll find a mix of technical sections, steep descents, and challenging singletrack, especially suitable for advanced mountain bikers or riders experienced with enduro-style trails. At the same time, the area is an excellent training ground for honing skills like cornering speed and balance before visiting larger enduro bike parks or mountain areas.

I haven't managed it without dismounting yet. The last few meters are always a struggle, even with a serious run-up. Loose rocks and sand make it tricky, and it's really quite steep. A fun challenge!

Impressive facility for various sports